Tuesday Tidbits: Longevity

What is the oldest thing you own? I’m not talking about a family heirloom passed down for generations, but something that you bought new or was given as a gift.

I was able to keep my Sony Walkman going well beyond its life expectancy. I don’t remember how long exactly, but I do remember having to loop the headphone chord through the belt clip in order to stop the cutting in and out. I took it apart to do some minor soldering as well. I don’t have it any more—it’s long gone, but speaking of the headphones, I do still use the first-generation earbuds (38 years old).

My second classical guitar was purchased during my second year of music school (33 years old). It plays just as well as it did back then. Can’t say the same about the owner.

I have a coffee mug that I received as a Christmas gift in 1988. It has seen many refills.

I have my first Calvin and Hobbes book from 1987, but books tend to last a lot longer than other consumer items, so that skews the curve.

My pillow. OK, I didn’t purchase but it needs a mention. It’s not a pretty site and it required a few re-coverings (thanks, Mom), but it’s not going away if I have anything to say. How old? Old. Me old? Close. ‘Nuff said. Now where did that blankie go?

-Leon

Leon Stevens is a multi-genre author, composer, guitarist, songwriter, and an artist, with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry, Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories. His newest publications are the novella trilogy, The View from Here, which is a continuation of one of his short stories, and a new collection of poetry titled, A Wonder of Words.